Operation Hydraulic Circuit

Application of hydraulic pressure to the operating cylinders pushes the pistons inward or outward to close or open the rams
The multiple position lock is an automatic lock, locking the rams in place after they are closed hydraulically Operating chambers are rated for 3000 psi continuous operation and have been tested to 4500 psi Hydraulic closing pressures from 100 psi to 300 psi indicate satisfactory operation
1

Operation Hydraulic Circuit (continued)

Hydraulic pressure applied to closing port initiates fluid flow in drilled passages in the BOP body Fluid flows from the body through the fluid hinge to the bonnet hinge Fluid then flows from the bonnet hinge through a drilled passage in the bonnet and exits between the cylinder and cylinder liner
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Operation Hydraulic Circuit (continued)

Fluid then acts on the backside of the rams closing them
Fluid from the opening sides is pushed out the porting in the bonnet Fluid flows through a drilled passage in bonnet and into the bonnet hinge Fluid then passes through the seal sub in the fluid hinge, through the drilled passage in the preventer body and out through the opening chamber port
3

Multiple Position Lock (MPL)

Opening and closing controlled by uni-directional clutch mechanism, lock (overhauling) nut and lock (overhauling) screw The clutch mechanism maintains nut and ram in locked position The clutch is disengaged by hydraulic pressure to open the ram
4

Multiple Position Lock (MPL)

(continued)
How the MPL Works
Tail rod contains two types of threads

One end - standard LH Acme thread Other end - fast lead 6-path helical thread

Mating nut fitted to the tail rod

Nut contained by two thrust bearings permitting rotation but preventing linear travel
Linear motion of the tail rod during closing or opening causes nut to rotate Fast lead, 6-path helical thread rotates the nut three turns per foot of travel

Multiple Position Lock (MPL)

(continued)
How the MPL Works
Rear clutch plate and front clutch Contact of rear clutch plate to front clutch plate maintained by spring force Rotation in the opening direction prevented by interlocking teeth Sloped angle of teeth permits rotation in closing direction Hydraulic opening pressure acts on the cylinder liner to release locking mechanism Cylinder liner moves back against transfer ring Transfer ring bears on the rear clutch plate disengaging it from the front clutch plate Opening pressure on the piston moves the ram to the open position as the lock nut and front clutch plate rotate freely

Multiple Position Lock (MPL)

(continued)
How the MPL Works
The front clutch plate is bolted to the lock (overhauling) nut. Four rectangular keys in the rear clutch plate engage slots in the retainer plate Allows linear motion and prevents rotational motion of the rear clutch plate Springs are captured between rear clutch plate and retainer plate Opening forces on the piston rod held in check by the lock nut Opening force creates torque in the lock nut Torque is transmitted through the engaged teeth of front and rear clutch plates The rear clutch plate is keyed to the retainer plate The retainer plate is pinned to the cylinder head thus preventing rotation and locking the assembly

Multiple Position Lock (MPL)

(continued)
How the MPL Works
Application of hydraulic opening pressure permits rams to open Hydraulic pressure acting on the cylinder liner moves it back to disengage the clutch Continued application of opening pressure maintains the clutch unlocked and opens the rams

Multiple Position Lock (MPL)

(continued)
How the MPL Works
Provision for testing MPL

Two lockout devices

Prevent cylinder liner from disengaging clutch Opening pressure simulates opening forces applied to the ram Visual indication of position of lockouts provided